Spoiler: Tony just cannot leave dance cards alone, tsk, tsk...


I've never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight
I've never seen you shine so bright
I've never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance
They're looking for a little romance, given half a chance
And I have never seen that dress you're wearing
Or the highlights in your hair that catch your eyes
I have been blind

- Lady in Red (Chris De Burgh) (yes, I know this is a very ancient song but romance is romance)

Pepper stepped nervously into the Great Hall. It was 8 pm and the Village Gathering was about to begin. The hall was already full of Village folk and she looked around for a familiar face. She and Magdalene had returned to the Keep to change into their formal clothes, after the archery tournament. Then they had come back to the Great Hall together.

She saw Janice waving at her and rushed towards the little group of women, whom she knew from the Village. There were oohs and aahs at her gown and Pepper smiled.

She was wearing an azure blue satin gown covered in tiny, dark blue gemstones, that shone and shimmered as she moved. The gown had a plunging neckline and back. It was tailored perfectly, accentuating her slender frame as it fell in soft folds around her shoes. Luna having an eclectic taste, had given it a unique look, by adding a thin, decorative, dull silver belt and matching shoulder clasps in silver, instead of sleeves.

She knew her friends would love her gown but she was interested only in one person's reaction and said person was nowhere to be found.

"My, Virginia! That is a beautiful gown!"

"Where did you get it from?"

"Blue suits you so well!"

"Thank you, ladies," she said graciously. "It is from Madame Luna of Dale. A skilled craftswoman. I commissioned her to create an entire season's collection for me."

"Luna Lestronia!" Stephanie gasped. "Why, I have heard, she only takes commissions by reference and those are notoriously difficult to obtain."

Pepper smiled and said softly, "Well, Lord Stark knows her well and managed to refer me. This dress is her masterpiece."

The ladies started to murmur as someone stood behind her. Even before she heard his voice, she knew it was the aforementioned lord. He said slowly, "Truth be told, my lady, with a beauty like yours, even a sack on you will look like a masterpiece."

She turned and met his dark gaze. Tony looked at her, his gaze slowly raking over her from head to toe and Pepper flushed with pleasure at the intense admiration in his eyes.

"God's teeth, Pepper... you look stunning..." he whispered, meeting her eyes with frank wonder in them. Then realizing there were eight avid pairs of eyes staring at them, Tony cleared his throat and bowed deeply at the waist. He straightened and offered her his arm.

"Ladies, I hate to take Lady Virginia from you but we must discuss something urgently."

They giggled and tittered at him and Janice said knowingly, "Would you like to share this urgent matter, Lord Stark?"

Tony went red and Pepper took pity on him and took his arm, holding it tightly. "I shall return later, friends." she said lightly as she stepped away with Tony.

He was leading her to the center of the hall, right in front of the small stage, where the musicians were tuning their instruments.

She whispered to him, her lips nearly touching his ear. "So Tony, what is this urgent matter you wanted to discuss?"

Pepper smiled mischievously, knowing Tony had made up a matter as an excuse to lead her away from the group of ladies. But she wanted to hear him admit it.

Tony whispered back, "I must know... urgently, my lady... how do you always manage to take my breath away?"

She whispered slowly, "Lord Stark, believe me, you are making me feel equally breathless."

Indeed Tony looked very dashing in a steel grey, herringbone doublet coat, made of tweed, with a stand collar and long sleeves. Again, Luna's skillful hand was apparent, as the bottom of the coat was cut irregularly. The coat was tailored to his strong build with perfection, hugging his broad shoulders and narrow waist. She loved his touch to the outfit, which was wearing black riding breeches with silver buttons below the knees.

Tony smiled and then stiffened. "Good Lord! All the Village elders are standing right there! They are so boring! Come my lady! We must make our escape!"

Pepper giggled as he opened a small door that led to the backyard of the hall, that overlooked the rear entrance of the town.

She was charmed by the beauty of the landscape around them, the snow a white blanket contrasting beautifully with the darkness of the night. Tony took off his doublet coat and handed it to her.

"Tony! There's no need for that! It isn't snowing. I can manage, I have a shawl." She held up the wispy shawl that had come with the gown.

Tony snorted derisively. "How will that ribbon keep you warm, Pepper?"

She punched him lightly but accepted the coat, wrapping it around her shoulders. He tsked at her and helped her wear it, buttoning the middle button to keep it closed around her.

Pepper smiled at Tony, looking so handsome in his white collared shirt. She asked, "And how are you going to keep warm, my lord, if I have your coat?"

He whispered, "Like this." And Tony gently leaned forward and touched his lips to hers in a feather-soft caress.

She sighed as he kissed the corner of her lips and then kissed her cheek.

"Tony..." she murmured, trying to make him kiss her harder.

Then Pepper squealed as he nibbled on her really sensitive ear lobe with his teeth gently. Tony kissed her ear and then moved to her throat and she gasped and caught his head tightly as his warm mouth kissed her flesh.

"Tony... Tony... Tony..." she moved her hand through his hair wildly.

His lips moved over her collarbone and then Pepper arched herself into him as she felt his hand caressing her breast, through the satin. He rubbed his thumb over her nipple, then pinched it lightly between his finger tips and she moaned loudly.

Tony pulled his head back and touched his forehead to hers, breathing hard. "Pepper, we should stop. I won't be able to hide my reaction if you-"

She kissed him hard, cutting him off. Then Pepper rubbed herself against him slowly and Tony made a strangled noise in his throat.

"Pepper! Sweetheart please!" He pleaded.

But Pepper no longer cared for the gathering, she just wanted Tony and badly. She looped her hands around his neck and kissed his chin.

"Tony... what if we sneak out of the gathering and go back to the Keep? Just you and me... in front of the fireplace, my lord..."

He goggled at her, his mouth wide open and she whispered slowly against his ear, "Even though the archery challenge was a tie... I will concede the victory to you and let you claim me, my lord... claim me as your prize..."

Tony's eyes had turned molten brown and Pepper knew she had his aroused interest.

"Pepper," he whispered in wonder, "are you saying, what I think you are saying?"

"Lord Stark..." she nibbled at his ear and then whispered slowly against it, "I will let you tie me to your bed with my silky ribbons... and you can ravish me all night..."

Tony gulped hard, closed his eyes and Pepper smiled with glee. Then he opened his eyes and gave her a very sorrowful look.

"Pepper, we cannot... we cannot leave the gathering. You do not know how much this pains me, but we just cannot."

She narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.

Tony never likes attending public events. Especially when people can corner him and ask questions. So why does he want to attend this one?

She asked out loud, "Tony, why do you want to go back in? It's just a gathering."

Pepper grinned because Tony had the most comical look of torn desire on his face, like a child asked to choose between chocolate and pudding.

"Pepper... there is an event for which we are both required. Something big."

"Really?" She widened her eyes. "Us?"

"Yes, you and me. In fact," he tilted his head, listening. "We should go in. We will be called soon."

"Called? What? Where?" She was confused.

Tony smiled softly at her. "Don't worry, my love. Don't worry. It is all part of my plan."

They slowly stepped back into the Hall. The crowd had increased and Pepper pushed her hair back. She handed Tony his coat, then helped him into it and dusted the snow off his hair.

Pepper bit her lip as she realized that in her passion, she had mussed up his hair wildly. She patted it down with her hands and he smiled at her.

"Come my love. It is time."

"Time for what?" she whispered, confused.

He took her hand and tucked it into his arm. Then Tony began to move through the crowd, with her at his side. People moved aside to make a path for them and she heard whispers ripple through the crowd.

"Tony..." she asked as she saw, he was leading her towards the small raised stage, "What is going to happen?"

He just smiled at her and they climbed up the stage. Pepper blinked at the numerous eyes on her, amidst the gentle lighting of the hall.

Then Tony took her hand in his and squeezed her fingers. "Breathe." he whispered.

She obeyed him and he spoke in a clear voice to the crowd, "Ladies and gentle folk of the Village, you know us well enough, I think. I hope there is no need for introductions."

The crowd laughed lightly and she was awed by his confidence.

He smiled and continued, "A year ago, nearly to this date, Lady Virginia, a talented and wonderful woman entered my life. Little did I know, just how much she would bless it with her presence."

He turned towards her and she stared into his eyes as Tony said slowly, "We have trained together, faced perils together, she has saved me numerous times from certain death and... I stand before you today, a better man and a noble lord because of her. She is the bravest, most capable and trustworthy individual I have ever known."

Pepper felt her heart race at the look of love and devotion in his whiskey brown eyes. The crowd was whispering wildly and then there was a loud collective gasp as Tony went down on one knee, still holding her hand.

What?! Tony has proposed to me already, so why is he...

He looked at her piercingly and said solemnly, "Lady Virginia Potts, in the presence of the Village, I humbly ask for your hand in marriage. I swear upon my mortal soul, I will strive to keep you happy and remain forever faithful and steadfast, for as long as I draw breath. My wealth is yours, my home is yours and my heart is ever at your service."

She felt tears fill her eyes at his promise and his words.

Lord Stark, a mighty Knight, a nobleman, is proposing to me in front of a large audience, clearly showing everyone he is honorably asking for my hand...

"Tony," she whispered, feeling her heart swell with joy, then she said loudly, "Lord Stark, my answer is... Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! I would be honored to be your wife!"

She heard a squeal of delight from the crowd and in the back of her mind, she thought, Beatrice, it has to be her...

For a moment, Tony seemed relieved and she wanted to smile at that but Pepper controlled her facial features as he rose and the Headman stepped forward, holding a small box. He opened it and she watched wide-eyed as Tony took a ring from it and slid it onto her finger.

Pepper looked at the delicate but firm band of gold, with an intricate pattern in its center. There was a bright blue stone in the center of the pattern, glowing in a very familiar manner. She realized what it was and her mouth fell open with shock.

Tony whispered, "It is the pattern of my Arc and a small stone with my fire."

She gulped and looked at him and the Headman said gently, "Lady Virginia, please place the other ring on Lord Stark's finger."

Her hands were shaking but Pepper picked up the other ring in the box, a simple band of gold and slid it onto Tony's fingers.

She held onto his hand as the Headman announced, "Lord Stark and Lady Virginia are now engaged to be married."

The crowd went wild then, clapping thunderously and cheering boisterously as Tony raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, without taking his eyes of her.

She smiled weakly, feeling very emotional and he grinned at her. As the crowd kept cheering and they turned to leave the stage, he leaned towards her and whispered to her mischievously, "Now we can leave the gathering, if you still want to, Pepper."

She whispered back, "Tony, I... I don't know what to say..."

He kissed her cheek quickly and said, "Say that you will grant me this dance, my lady."

Once again Pepper was shocked as Tony led her onto the floor. The crowd had moved away, forming a wide circle around them and the lights were dimmed.

The Headman said monotonously, "The newly engaged couple shall have the first dance."

She was still dazed as Tony bowed to her. He grinned at her and Pepper realized she was just standing there and staring at him dumbly. She curtsied quickly.

The she stepped close to him and he lifted one of her hands in his and placed the other, high on her back. He whispered to her, "Do not be nervous, my love, we are old dancing partners, you and I... after all, we have met before haven't we, once upon a dream..."

The musicians started to play a tune she knew very well and Pepper felt her lips part with surprise. Then the Village singer, Figarina, began to sing in a low musical voice,

'Once upon a dream.

I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream

I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam...'

"Tony... you... you remembered... from so long ago..." she blinked away tears, "you remembered my song from the Salon!"

Tony smiled and said softly, "How can I forget the first time I held you in my arms, the first time we moved together and we nearly kissed... how can I forget, Pepper?"

He moved her slowly back and then forward to the rhythm of the song. She felt as if her heart was going to burst from the emotions it was trying to contain. Tony must have sensed something because he whispered in concern, "Pepper, are you alright?"

"Yes Tony." She blinked away her tears. "I must be the happiest lady in the world right now... it is a little overwhelming."

He chuckled and she said with a smile, "How, when did you plan this?"

He twirled her lightly as the music swelled and Tony said smugly, "I agreed to sponsor the archery tournament on the condition, that the Village elders bear witness to my formal proposal and start announcing our names in all the nearby churches. They have been dilly-dallying on the subject, too long for my liking. I needed to force their hand. Oh and I also insisted on a dance."

He held her tighter. "Pepper," he asked nervously, "is this to your liking? I know it is late to ask but... I wanted it to be a surprise and I wanted you to be happy... did I embarrass you?"

She shook her head at him in wonder. "Tony, this is a very beautiful surprise, I am truly a lucky woman."

Her new moonstone ring glowed at her and Pepper said softly, "Another ring as well... Tony, I already have your mother's sapphire ring, you didn't have to..."

"I used my mother's ring for good luck... I wanted you to accept my suit but I didn't believe I had a chance and I wanted all the help I could get... Besides, that is a family heirloom meant for you, as a woman of the Stark family. This is... this is from me to you. Pepper," he whispered earnestly, "Proof that Tony Stark has a heart and I wanted to show you that it is yours..."

Pepper just realized something. "You made the ring yourself, didn't you?"

He nodded silently and then added, "With a little help from Happy. He held the mold in place."

She felt her throat clench up with tears and she swallowed hard trying to clear it.

He touched his forehead to hers as Figarina stopped singing. The room was lit again and other couples began to step onto the floor, joining in the dance. But Pepper and Tony ignored them, eyes locked onto each other.

She moved her hand from his broad shoulder to his neck and softly touched the hair at the nape of his neck with her fingertips. Then Pepper, unconcerned about the people around them, slowly pulled his head down and pressed her lips to his. She heard someone say "Oh my!" but she didn't care, she just kissed Tony gently and ended it by lightly touching her tongue to his. Then she wound her arm around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder, sighing deeply.

"I love you, Tony Stark..."

"And I love you, Pepper Potts."

And even though their song had ended and the music's tempo had changed, the Lord and Lady remained lost in their own dance, slowly moving to the tune in their hearts.


Tony walked through the large crowd of village people, milling and moving towards the dance floor. He carried a glass of ale in his hand for Pepper.

They were taking a break from dancing, to mingle with others. At least Pepper was mingling, he was silently following her and disappearing at convenient intervals like this, when he got bored of conversing.

He reached the spot where he had left her and found her deep in conversation with the Maid from Boron. Beatrice was whispering something of interest in Pepper's ear. Then she raised her hand and Tony nearly dropped the glass. She was holding the very object that he had been trying to hide from Pepper all night.

Oh dear... I think I have been caught.

Pepper studied it and then turned towards him, a nonchalant look on her face.

Okay, I am not going to be fooled by that look. I am going to remain calm and deny everything.

He reached her, handed her the glass and she took a small sip. Beatrice was still there, grinning at him. Tony resisted the urge to shake his fist at her.

"Tony Stark..." Pepper said coolly. "What is this I have in my hand?"

She raised the damned object, a white plain card with Beatrice's name and multiple lines to write on.

He shook his head. "I have no idea." He was lying through his teeth and hoped she wouldn't notice.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Really? Lord Stark, you have no idea what this is?"

He shrugged. "It seems to be a card."

"Precisely. It is a dance card. And I learnt that every single woman in this hall has got one. Except me."

He raised his eyebrows at her. "Except you? What an injustice! Who could have done such a thing?"

Pepper just looked at him and Tony started to feel hot under his collar.

"Tell me something, Lord Stark, how did the Village elders, who do not frequent balls and parties, get the progressive idea to use a dance card for the gathering?"

He shrugged nonchalantly and Pepper tapped her foot.

Just then, Hereald bounded over to them. Pepper turned to him and said firmly, "Happy, do you know anything about this card?"

Happy opened and closed his mouth, doing his best to look like a goldfish. He looked appealingly at Tony, who shook his head slightly to warn him to keep quiet. Then Pepper stepped close to Happy and gave him a threatening glare. And of course, Happy caved.

"It is a dance card, Pep." He said quickly.

"I can see that, Happy. What I would like to know is, who is giving out these cards and why wasn't I given one?"

Tony couldn't control his tongue anymore. "Pepper, why do you need one? You are engaged."

He realized he had unwittingly admitted his guilt, when she rounded on him rapidly. Pepper was now standing very close to him, looking at him coolly. Happy and Beatrice made their excuses and quickly escaped.

"Tony Stark!" She said loudly, then flushed as some village folk passed by, staring at them curiously.

"Come away! We need to talk about this privately." She took his hand and dragged him to a more secluded corner.

Then Pepper poked a finger hard into his chest and said quietly, "I know you are behind this, Tony, so start explaining."

"Well," he stammered, feeling very nervous at being caught, "Pep, sweetheart, look, the Village elders were discussing one day, that a lot of men start fights at these sort of gatherings, over the chance to dance with available women. So I just mentioned this to them as a suggestion, they liked it and every woman got a card."

She tilted her head curiously at him. "So why didn't I get one?"

Tony didn't know how to answer that, without risking further poking and Pepper's wrath. She didn't seem angry but her blue eyes were searching his face and her delicate mouth was in a straight line.

"Tony..." she said firmly, "did you make sure I did not get a card?"

He nodded silently and she shook her head at him.

"Anthony," she said in a low firm tone and Tony suddenly felt very aroused because she only used his full name when she was in "Goddess" mode and in that same tone of voice. He swallowed hard and looked down at his feet.

She caught his chin firmly in her hand and Pepper lifted it, to make sure he was looking straight into her eyes. "Explain this, you devious man."

He was going to keep quiet when she decided to play dirty and moved closer to him and clasped his shoulders.

Tony clenched his fists, trying to control himself as Pepper held herself tightly against him, pressing every inch of her soft luscious body to his. He felt all his blood flow to his groin and made a small noise in his throat.

"Anthony," Pepper said slowly, "you better tell me your reasons for this act of mischief."

He shook his head mutinously and Pepper, sultry temptress that she was, surreptitiously moved one hand to his behind and pinched him hard.

"I did not want anyone else to dance with you!" he blurted out. She narrowed her eyes at him and he continued babbling, "Pepper, you know I am a jealous idiot, you are so beautiful and I knew that all the village men would want to dance with you, just like last time, under the May tree, with that blond idiot, whats his name..."

"Aland." She said softly.

"Yes and the dark-haired one and there was another one, Clint, Clifton... something like that. Anyways, they all danced with you and I didn't get to. I want to dance with you again and-" He stopped talking because Pepper kissed him hard. Tony felt her lips move roughly over his and he kissed her back, equally passionately.

They kissed heatedly for a moment and then Pepper pushed herself away, touching her lips slowly. Then she held out her hand. "My dance card, please."

He swallowed, knowing she had every right to demand it. Tony reached inside his coat pocket and handed Pepper her dance card. She looked it over and then nodded at him. Then she said pointedly, "I will be taking a short promenade on my own."

He opened his mouth to object but she was walking away. Then in a very sultry move, Pepper looked back at him, over her shoulder. She gazed into his eyes and then slowly lowered her eyes. Her gaze moved over his chest and ended at his hips. Tony felt his cock twitch violently as she licked her lips slowly and quirked one eyebrow at that area.

"But I expect to see you on the dance floor shortly, Anthony, after you have calmed down. Am I clear?"

Tony looked down to where she was looking and muffled a gasp. He hadn't even noticed he had an erection that was pushing against his breeches impudently. He clasped his hands over the area, trying to hide it and Pepper smiled at him, her eyes gleaming.

Then she said softly, "My lord, you are definitely going to need something larger than just your hands". She giggled and walked back to the main hall, while Tony looked around for the back door.

After standing outside in the chilly night air for fifteen minutes, his 'reaction' was gone, so he reentered the building and walked to the main room. The crowd was gathered in a circle around the musicians, clapping enthusiastically as some of the village folk were singing a ditty to a very catchy tune.

Tony went on tip-toe, trying to find Pepper in the crowd.

Didn't she say she would be taking a short promenade on her own? hissed the Dragon thoughtfully.

Tony muttered slowly, "Yes but I think fifteen minutes is enough time to leave Pepper on her own."

Then he saw Happy and raised his eyebrows at him inquiringly. Happy shrugged helplessly and pointed towards the left side of the hall. Tony stood nearly on tip-toe, trying to see above the milling and moving crowd.

Where is she? Where could she have-, there she is!

He walked over quickly to the little cluster of people, standing in the left corner of the hall. Then Tony's steps slowed as he approached.

Pepper was standing in the middle of a small group of men. At a cursory glance, it seemed to be made up of every eligible bachelor in the Village. Tony growled low in his throat.

Consarn it! There's that blond idiot! Aland! And that broad dark-haired one! And the brown-haired one! And another one!

Now, now, Anthony, watch your language... murmured the Dragon.

Tony took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, straightening his shoulders. He told himself quietly, "I am going to be a gentleman, I am going to be dignified and calm..."

Even if it kills you... whispered the Dragon, who then made a huffing noise that sounded suspiciously like laughter.

He walked slowly to the group, trying not to clench his fists as he saw Aland say something that made Pepper laugh loudly. Tony came close but did not announce himself.

He was going to when Aland, without noticing him, said in his clear youthful voice, "The next dance will be starting soon, Virginia." He held out his arm. "May I have the chance to dance with you?"

Tony gritted his teeth as the handsome blond man smiled charmingly, exposing rows and rows of sparkling white teeth. His blue eyes twinkled at her and Pepper smiled back at him.

Then the dark one, Clint or Clifton cut in. "Really, Aland! I wanted to dance with Lady Virginia!"

"Too slow, Clint." said Aland smoothly.

Clint turned to Pepper and said softly, "Perhaps the dance after Aland's, my lady? Please do me the honor. Please."

Tony sighed heavily. I should let Pepper have some fun. I cannot monopolize her company all the time.

He turned on his heel to leave, when he heard Pepper say clearly, "Gentlemen, I am truly honored by your attentions, believe me but I must sadly turn you all down."

He turned back around to see Pepper lift her dance card and continue speaking, "You see, my dance card is full. I am afraid I cannot pencil in any one of you."

Tony watched with confusion as Pepper's swains grimaced and groaned, almost comically in unison. Clint/Clifton scowled darkly. He asked irritably, "Well, whose dance is it then?"

Tony had the same question on his lips. Pepper lifted her card and grinned widely, "My fiance's, of course. See for yourselves."

The men peered over her card and then moved backwards, grumbling. Tony absently took a step forward and felt his heart race as Pepper turned to look straight at him. She smiled beautifully and said softly, "And he is now."

She took two steps towards him because he was standing there, confused and took his hand. He heard the other men huffing and grumbling as she led him onto the dance floor.

The music started to play and Tony dazedly assumed his position, placing one hand on Pepper's shoulder and the other clasping her hand and raising it. He furrowed his brows in confusion.

"Wait a minute!" Tony said and looked down at Pepper, who looked at him serenely. "You ..."

"Yes Tony?" she asked quietly.

"Pepper, when I gave you the card," he said slowly, "there wasn't anything written on it... so..."

He felt his mouth curve into a grin as Pepper smiled mysteriously.

"Pepper Potts," he asked, curious, "did you write my name all over your dance card?"

She nodded impishly and moved closer to him as they moved to the music.

Pepper moved her hand around his waist, bringing her flush against him. Tony closed his eyes at the sensation, feeling her nuzzle his chin.

"Do you remember, Tony, when we were in Patait, at the engagement ball, we saw young King Rheiner dance with his bride?"

He nodded, eyes still closed, Pepper leading him in the dance and guiding his steps.

"Well," she whispered softly, "they were making vows to each other. Today since we are engaged formally, I make one such vow to you, my lord."

"Which is?" He murmured.

"You are and will always remain my dance partner. So do not worry, Tony, you will always be on my dance card." She leaned back and smiled at him.

Tony opened his eyes and looked at her. "Pepper," he murmured back, charmed by the way the Hall's lights shone on her delicate profile, eyes sparkling at him, lips curved and soft in the gentle glow of the hall. "Pepper, you do not need to do that... I will be more reasonable, I promise... I ..." he nuzzled her cheek, "I shouldn't monopolize you all the time..."

She sighed and whispered, "Tony, if you had just given me the card, I would have written your name all over it."

She looked deep into his eyes and said, "There's no need to be jealous. All other men pale in comparison to you, Tony Stark."

He whispered back, "As do all women in front of you, Pepper Potts."

Pepper smiled. "It is settled then. Now hold me closer and not so chastely."

Tony understood what she said but pretended not to. "Whatever do you mean?"

She shook her head ruefully at him and used her hand to nudge his arm. Tony grinned and lowered his hand from her shoulder, slowly down her soft skin to the small of her back. He gently moved his fingers and she sighed.

"Tony Stark, I love you..." Pepper whispered to him and he spun her around, making her laugh. "I love you too, Pepper Potts."